May 17, 2012

CBS’s Casserly: “…the Steelers made a mistake.”

November 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

cbs50

NEWS, NOTES & QUOTES FROM CBS SPORTS’ “THE NFL TODAY” WITH JAMES BROWN, DAN MARINO, SHANNON SHARPE,

BILL COWHER AND BOOMER ESIASON FOR WEEK 12 ON NOVEMBER 29

►CORNUCOPIA OF GREAT RATINGS FOR “SEC ON CBS” THANKSGIVING WEEKEND

CBS Sports’ coverage of the SEC ON CBS on Friday, Nov. 27, which saw No. 2 Alabama beat Auburn, 26-21, earned an overnight household rating/share of 4.8/11, up 92% from last year’s 2.5/6 (LSU vs. Arkansas), and Saturday, Nov. 28, which saw No. 1 Florida defeat Florida State, 37-10, earned an overnight household rating/share of 5.1/12, up 21% from last year’s 4.2/9 (Auburn vs. No. 1 Alabama).

► QUICK HITS

(On Pittsburgh’s Ben Roethlisberger as No. 3 quarterback tonight against Baltimore due to concussion)

BOOMER ESIASON: How does Pittsburgh go into this game without signing a veteran back-up (quarterback) earlier in the week knowing that Charlie Batch was out of the mix?

►“INSIDE THE GAME” WITH CHARLEY CASSERLY

(On Pittsburgh having to start Dennis Dixon and having Tyler Palko as back-up and Ben Roethlisberger as No. 3 quarterback tonight due to a concussion)

CASSERLY: In my opinion, the Steelers made a mistake. When you end Sunday’s game, your back-up quarterback Charlie Batch is out.  Your starting quarterback didn’t finish the game. You’re in the middle of a playoff hunt.  Sign a veteran quarterback.  Have that insurance ready.  Have that done by Monday night.

► “DR. BILL COWHER” BUILDS “THE PERFECT QUARTERBACK

Bill Cowher took parts from quarterbacks from around the NFL to build the “Perfect Quarterback”:

Head of Peyton Manning

Leadership of Drew Brees

Poise and Decision-Making of Tom Brady

Arm of Ben Roethlisberger

Legs of Vince Young

Experience of Kurt Warner

Courage of Philip Rivers

Exuberance of Brett Favre

BOOMER: (Looking at Cowher): I want to build myself the ultimate coach.  I’m going to start with the chin.

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Filed Under: CBS, NFL

Crosby, Brodeur and Hagman Named NHL ‘Three Stars’ of the Week

November 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment
CROSBY, BRODEUR AND HAGMAN NAMED NHL ‘THREE STARS’ OF THE WEEK

NEW YORK (November 30, 2009) — Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby, New Jersey Devils goaltender Martin Brodeur and Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Niklas Hagman have been named the NHL ‘Three Stars’ for the week ending Nov. 29.

FIRST STAR — SIDNEY CROSBY, C, PITTSBURGH PENGUINS

Crosby led all scorers with eight points (five goals, three assists) as the Penguins (18-9-0) won three of four games. Crosby tallied the game-winning overtime goal in a 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers Nov. 23 and notched one goal and one assist in a 3-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens Nov. 25. He finished the week by posting his second hat trick of the season and fifth of his career — appropriately on ‘Hat Night’ at Mellon Arena — as part of a five-point, +4 performance in an 8-3 win over the New York Rangers Nov. 28. Crosby leads the Penguins in scoring and is tied for eighth in the NHL overall with 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) in 27 games.

SECOND STAR — MARTIN BRODEUR, G, NEW JERSEY DEVILS

Brodeur posted a 3-0-0 record with a 0.97 goals-against average and .963 save percentage as the Devils improved to 17-6-1. He allowed one goal each of his three starts, beginning with a 24-save performance in a 3-1 victory over the Ottawa Senators Nov. 25. Brodeur set the NHL record for career minutes by a goaltender in a 2-1 shootout win at Boston Nov. 27, passing Patrick Roy (60,235) in the second period, and closed the week by stopping 22 shots in a 6-1 victory over the New York Islanders Nov. 28. Brodeur has appeared in 22 of the Devils’ 24 games, posting a 15-6-1 record with a 2.05 goals-against average, .925 save percentage and one shutout. He needs one shutout to tie Terry Sawchuk’s all-time record (103) and eight appearances to match Roy’s mark for career games by a goaltender (1,029).

THIRD STAR — NIKLAS HAGMAN, LW, TORONTO MAPLE LEAFS

Hagman tied Crosby for the League goal-scoring lead last week with five, helping the Maple Leafs earn five of a possible six points. Hagman notched one goal in a 4-3 overtime loss to the New York Islanders Nov. 23, recorded two goals in a 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning Nov. 25 and finished the week with a pair of goals, including the game-winner, in a 6-4 win over the Florida Panthers Nov. 27. Hagman leads the Maple Leafs in goals (13) and is second on the club in points (17).

### 11/30/2009
Filed Under: NHL

ESPN Announces 76 Classic Field for 2010, including 2009 NCAA Participants, NIT Champion Penn Stat

November 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

ESPN Announces 76 Classic Field for 2010, including 2009 NCAA Participants, NIT Champion Penn State

ANAHEIM, Calif. – ESPN Regional Television, Inc., a subsidiary of ESPN, announced here Friday the field for the fourth annual 76 Classic, to be held on Thanksgiving weekend in 2010 at the Anaheim Convention Center adjacent to Disneyland. The 2010 76 Classic field will feature eight schools, including 2009 NCAA Tournament participants Cal State Northridge and Oklahoma State and 2009 NIT Champion Penn State.


In addition to Cal State Northridge (Big West Conference), Oklahoma State (Big 12) and Penn State (Big Ten), the 2010 participants are DePaul (Big East), Stanford (Pac-10), Tulsa (Conference USA), UNLV (Mountain West) and Virginia Tech (ACC).

The 76 Classic features four games each day through three days, Nov. 25, 26 and 28. Each team will compete in one game per day, advancing through a bracket-tournament format. The two teams that remain undefeated throughout will face off in a championship match Sunday, Nov. 28.

The eight schools in the 2010 76 Classic field have compiled a 28-9 mark to start the 2009-10 season, with Oklahoma State, Tulsa and UNLV receiving votes in the ESPN/USA Today Top 25 Coaches Poll.


The 2010 76 Classic field combined for a 161-112 record during the 2008-09 season. Joining Penn State in the 2009 NIT field were Tulsa, UNLV and Virginia Tech, with Stanford competing in the Collegiate Basketball Invitational. Five of the eight schools also won more than 20 games each, with Penn State’s 27 wins topping the list.


“Once again, an outstanding field will represent conferences from around the country for the 76 Classic,” said Clint Overby, senior director of events, ESPN Regional Television. “The 76 Classic showcases quality competition while it also provides an outstanding off-court experience for the student-athletes, coaches and staffs. Fans will have an opportunity to spend the weekend watching college basketball and enjoying all that Anaheim and Southern California have to offer.”


The Big West Conference again will serve as the host conference for the 76 Classic at the 7,500-seat Anaheim Convention Center, which has served the conference for the past 10 years as the site of its postseason tournament.


The 2009 76 Classic began Thursday with four teams ranked among the Top 25, including No. 8 West Virginia (2-0), No. 10 Butler (3-0), No. 16 (tie) Minnesota (3-0) and No. 19 (tie) Clemson (4-0). Before Thursday’s opening games, the eight schools in the 2009 field had compiled a 23-2 record.


USC of the Pac-10 Conference captured the inaugural 76 Classic title in 2007, defeating Southern Illinois of the Missouri Valley Conference 70-45 in the finale. The ACC’s Wake Forest scored an 87-74 win over Baylor of the Big 12 Conference in the 2008 title game.


Along with the 76 Classic, ESPN Regional Television manages four other eight-team exempt basketball events: the O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off in San Juan; the Old Spice Classic at Walt Disney World near Orlando, Fla.; the Charleston Classic in South Carolina; and the newly created Diamond Head Classic, which will debut this December in Honolulu.


Tickets for the 2010 76 Classic are expected to go on sale next summer. For more information, visit the official Web site: http://76classic.com/.


2010 76 Classic - Seven of eight teams in postseason with five winning 20+ games. NIT champions in field

Team Conf. Record Next Game ’08-09 ’08-09 Postseason
Cal St.-Northridge Big West 2-3 N30 vs. CS-Bakersfield 17-14 NCAA, lost 1st round
DePaul Big East 3-1 N28 vs. Detroit 9-24 Did not participate
Oklahoma St. Big 12 4-0 N27 vs. Bradley 23-12 NCAA, lost 2nd round
Penn State Big Ten 4-2 N30 at Virginia 27-11 NIT champions
Stanford Pac-10 3-3 N29 vs. Portland State 20-14 CBIT, lost semis
Tulsa C-USA 5-0 N28 at Missouri State 25-11 NIT, lost 2nd round
UNLV Mountain West 4-0 N28 vs. Louisville 21-11 NIT, lost 1st round
Virginia Tech ACC 3-0 N27 vs. Temple 19-15 NIT, lost 2nd round

ESPN Regional Television/Event Ownership
The nation’s largest syndicator of collegiate sports programming, ESPN Regional Television (ERT) annually produces more than 1,000 telecasts of sporting events. Programming includes football, basketball, NCAA events, golf and NHRA events accounting for more than 2,200 live and/or original hours of programming. In addition to event ownership, ERT is the production headquarters for ESPNU, the 24-hour college sports network; syndication rights-holder and producer of national, regional and local shows for college conferences (e.g. – SEC, BIG EAST, Big 12, Mid-American, WAC).

ESPN Regional Television markets and/or owns several sporting events, including collegiate football events: the Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl (Fort Worth, Texas); MAACO Bowl Las Vegas; New Mexico Bowl (Albuquerque); Papajohns.com Bowl (Birmingham, Ala.); Sheraton Hawai’i Bowl (Honolulu); St. Petersburg Bowl; the MEAC/SWAC Challenge presented by Disney (Orlando, Fla.); and The Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards; collegiate basketball events: the 76 Classic (Anaheim, Calif.); Cancun Governor’s Cup; Charleston Classic (S.C.); DIRECTV SEC/BIG EAST Invitational; ESPNU Road to the Championship (Women; San Antonio); Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic (Honolulu); Old Spice Classic (Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Fla.); O’Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off (San Juan); SONIC All-College Basketball Classic (Oklahoma City) and BracketBusters; as well as the ESPN National Golf Challenge presented by Callaway. For more information, visit ESPNPlus.com.

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Filed Under: ESPN, NCAA Basketball

Giants-Broncos On Thursday Night Football Most-Watched NFL Network Thanksgiving Game

November 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

GIANTS-BRONCOS ON THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

MOST-WATCHED NFL NETWORK THANKSGIVING GAME

Second Most-Watched Game in NFLN History with 6.1 Million Viewers

Last night’s New York Giants-Denver Broncos game on NFL Network was watched by an average of 6.1 million viewers in 3.5 million homes (not including over-the-air stations in New York and Denver) – topping last year’s Thanksgiving night game by 62 percent and 55 percent respectively and ranking as the most-watched Thanksgiving game in the four seasons of Thursday Night Football.

With 6.1 million viewers (not including OTAs), Giants-Broncos is the second-most watched game in the four years of Thursday Night Football on NFL Network behind Green Bay-Dallas on Nov. 29, 2007 (10.1 million viewers).

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the only network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football. For more information, log onto www.nfl.com/nflnetwork. NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

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Filed Under: NFL, NFLN

ESPN’s Weekend and Monday NFL Studio Features

November 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

ESPN’s Weekend and Monday NFL Studio Features

SportsCenter’s weekly “Sunday Conversation” at 10 a.m. ET will feature a sit-down interview with Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Monday Night Football’s Jon Gruden.

ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown Presented by IBM will preview the day’s matchups Sunday at 11 a.m. ET with Chris Berman and analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson and Keyshawn Johnson. ESPN senior analyst Chris Mortensen and NFL insider Adam Schefter will provide headlines and league news.

The two-hour program will include reports from Sal Paolantonio in Philadelphia for the Redskins at Eagles, and Ed Werder covering the Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans. Other highlights:

Anti-Diva Wide Receivers: In the NFL, “diva” has become a term often associated with a loud, attention-demanding wide receiver. Many receivers past and present have fit this bill and almost made it a prerequisite of the position, but recently, there has been an influx of “non-divas.” Humble, attention-shielding wide receivers that just play their game and let their tremendous skills do the talking. Cris Carter visits Texans’ Andre Johnson and the Colts’ Reggie Wayne, to get into the mind of the anti-diva wide receiver.

Space Eaters: Currently, 13 teams in the NFL run the 3-4 defense including one must-have, a “space-eating” nose tackle – who occupies multiple blockers, and allows other defenders to make plays. Greg Garber sits down with some of the league’s top “space eaters” to get their perspective on their role in the 3-4 and notes that because a “space eater” is big, doesn’t mean they don’t show athleticism on the field.

Concussions Roundtable: Quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers) and Kurt Warner (Cardinals) left games last week with concussion-type symptoms. Running backs Brian Westbrook (Eagles) and Clinton Portis (Redskins) have missed multiple games due to the effects of a concussion. The NFL recently implemented a new policy instructing teams to seek counsel from independent neurologists after players suffer concussions. Chris Mortensen, Adam Schefter, Merril Hoge (who retired due to post-concussion symptoms after playing eight seasons in NFL) and Stephania Bell (ESPN.com injury analyst/licensed physical therapist) will have a roundtable discussion on the seriousness of concussions and how the NFL is addressing the issue.

Mayne Event – Chasing Brady: Tom Brady’s triumphant return from knee surgery in week one against the Buffalo Bills, was marked by a few noteworthy events – rallying the Patriots from an 11-point deficit late in the fourth quarter and doing his best to elude a post-game interview with Monday Night Football’s Suzy Kolber. Brady is back on Monday Night this week against the undefeated Saints, and Suzy has been in training with American 100-meter record holder Tyson Gay. In this week’s Mayne Event, Kenny Mayne breaks down the “rematch.”

Soundtracks: Brett Favre: Forty-year-old Brett Favre is having a magical season – 21 touchdown passes and only 3 interceptions – while leading the Vikings to a 9-1 start. A few weeks ago against the Lions, Favre made an incredible 300th straight start – including playoffs. Favre was wired for sound during that game – in this week’s edition of Soundtracks.

Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em with Matthew Berry and Merril Hoge: ESPN’s fantasy football guru Matthew Berry and NFL analyst Merril Hoge debate which players to start or sit this weekend.

Berman, Carter, Ditka, Jackson and Johnson will pick the biggest games of the day and tell fans which players will make the biggest impact in NFL’s Week 12 action. The list of game picks will be posted on www.espn.com/sundaycountdown after the show.

MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN, 7 P.M. ON ESPN

Monday Night Countdown Served by Applebee’s with Berman, Carter, Ditka, Jackson, Johnson, Mortensen and Schefter (in Bristol) and Stuart Scott, Matt Millen, Steve Young and Tedy Bruschi (at the MNF game in New Orleans) will review Sunday’s games and preview Monday Night Football. The 90-minute, pre-game show will lead into the kickoff of the New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints (8:30 p.m.) game, featuring Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski.

Reporters Suzy Kolber (Saints) and Michele Tafoya (Patriots) will cover the teams. Other highlights:

Soundtracks: New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints: Countdown will feature two Soundtracks segments this week, featuring the New England Patriots and the New Orleans Saints, with “best of” moments of each team.

WEEKLY MONDAY NIGHT COUNTDOWN SEGMENTS
TEAMS AT 20 – Every 20 minutes reporters Tafoya and Kolber will update news from the teams in their preparations for the game, beginning with NFL Live at 3:30 p.m.

FIELD PASS – Countdown offers an all-access look at pre-game preparations as the players get ready for kickoff. Analysts will also breakdown the important storylines and key players before the game.

C’MON MAN – Countdown personalities share their head-scratching plays from Week 12.

In addition, Monday Night Football’s Tirico, Jaworski and Gruden will preview the night’s match-up, with Mortensen and Schefter covering breaking news from around the league, and the Countdown analysts offering their “Lead Pipe Lock” predictions for the game.

NFL MATCHUP, SUNDAY 3 A.M. AND 7:30 A.M. ON ESPN

NFL Matchup with host Sal Paolantonio and analysts Merril Hoge and Ron Jaworski will preview the weekend’s games by bringing viewers inside the film room for the Xs and Os analysis of the matchups. The 30-minute program – taped each week at NFL Films in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey – highlights team strategy and game planning.

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Filed Under: ESPN, NFL

CBS’s Cowher: “I’ve spoken to no teams…”

November 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

cbs50

November 26, 2009

NEWS, NOTES AND QUOTES FROM “THE NFL TODAY” THANKSGIVING DAY OAKLAND-DALLAS GAME ON THURSDAY, NOV. 26

BILL COWHER: “I’ve spoken to no teams…”

► QUICK HITS

(On coaching rumors surrounding THE NFL TODAY’s Bill Cowher)

BILL COWHER: I’ve spoken to no teams and I don’t intend to do so while there is a current head coach.  Listen, this is a pivotal time of the year and these coaches deserve to have the full support of their organizations.  So I’m telling you, I’ve talked to nobody.

(On Oakland’s Quarterback issues)

BOOMER ESIASON: JaMarcus Russell has already been paid $34 million over the last three years.  There is no more guaranteed money, I understand, in his contract.  Next year his contract calls for a $10.5 million salary.  This is an albatross hanging around the neck of the Oakland Raiders, and whoever their new coach is going to be.  I do believe that there will be a new coach here…The big question for whoever takes over out there is, can they reclaim JaMarcus Russell as a quarterback?  I don’t think so.  I think you bring him in and say, ‘Listen, we’ll give you $1 million.  You want to earn that other $9.5 million, you show us on the field that you deserve it.’  Because certainly off the field he has not been deserving of this kind of money.

(On Playoff Picture)

BOOMER: I would not be surprised to see the Tennessee Titans, with Jeff Fisher as their coach, make their way into the playoffs.

►INSIDE THE GAME WITH CHARLEY CASSERLY

(On Buffalo coaching job)

CASSERLY: What the Bills coaches were told is this, Perry Fewell will be given serious consideration for the job.  In fact they were told he has a leg up right now because he’s coaching the team.  They were also told they were going to look at coaches who are available right now for interviews.  One was Mike Shanahan.  They interviewed him this past week on Tuesday.  Also, two other names I would look at: one is Jim Haslett, former NFL head coach also presently head coach of the Florida Tuskers, undefeated in the UFL; and head coach Marc Trestman, of the Montreal Alouettes, with the top record in the CFL.  I think both will get consideration.  At the end of the year, one guy I would really look at hard here for them to see is Russ Grimm, the assistant head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.  My personal opinion, I don’t see Mike Shanahan ending up coaching the Buffalo Bills next year.  I think what he’ll look for is a team that is more playoff-ready, a team closer to being in the playoffs than the Buffalo Bills are right now.

(On NFL investigation of allegations of Chargers’ Antonio Cromartie being involved in a bar fight on Monday morning following Chargers win over Broncos)

CASSERLY: On Monday the League got right on this thing.  Now, what I’ve been told by multiple sources is this, is that they believe that Antonio Cromartie did not, did not, throw the champagne bottle at another person in the bar.  However, they have not ruled out that another Charger player did throw that bottle.

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Filed Under: CBS, NFL

Hornets @ Lakers Selected by Fans for Tuesday’s Fan Night Match-Up

November 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

MEDIA ADVISORY

Hornets @ Lakers Selected by Fans for Tuesday’s Fan Night Match-Up

NBA TV’s Tuesday Fan Night will feature the New Orleans Hornets @ L.A. Lakers match-up, winning with 53% of the fan vote on NBA.com.  The game will air on Tues., Dec. 1 at 10:30 p.m. (ET) with host Ernie Johnson and analysts Chris Webber and Kevin McHale on-hand for the pre-game show beginning at 10 p.m. (ET). Fan Night voting will continue on NBA.com from Tues., Dec. 1 (8 a.m. ET) – Thurs., Dec. 3 (Midnight ET) as fans select the match-up for Tues., Dec. 8 between eight games:

  • Denver Nuggets @ Charlotte Bobcats
  • Minnesota Timberwolves @ Toronto Raptors
  • Milwaukee Bucks @ Boston Celtics
  • New Jersey Nets @ Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers @ Memphis Grizzlies
  • Sacramento Kings @ New Orleans Hornets
  • Phoenix Suns @ Dallas Mavericks
  • Orlando Magic @ L.A. Clippers

Tipping off Tuesday night is The Jump on NBA.com, a live, interactive show that allows fans to submit questions and comments to NBA.com’s Kyle Montgomery, Dennis Scott and Brent Barry via NBA.com, Facebook or Twitter. The show will stream live each week at 1 p.m. (ET).

Every Wednesday NBA TV features original programming; this Wednesday at 7 p.m. (ET) the network will air an NBA Special- NBA Fit: Denver Nuggets. The season premiere goes behind the scenes with the Nuggets’ players and staff as they work hard to bounce back from their loss in the Western Conference Finals.  The 30-minute special will feature Chauncey Billups, Nene, Chris “Birdman” Andersen and Arron Afflalo, in addition to others.

In addition to the Fan Night game, NBA TV will also feature live games on Saturday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. (ET) with the Charlotte Bobcats @ Washington Wizards, Sunday, Nov. 29 at 6 p.m. (ET) with the Boston Celtics @ Miami Heat and Monday, Nov. 30 at 10:30 p.m. (ET) with the Indiana Pacers @ Golden State Warriors. On Wednesday, Dec. 2, NBA TV will showcase its first doubleheader of the season beginning at 8 p.m. (ET) with the Philadelphia 76ers @ Oklahoma City Thunder followed by the Houston Rockets @ L.A. Clippers.

Every Saturday at 1 p.m. (ET), NBA TV features a Euroleague Game of the Week. This Saturday, Nov. 28, the game will feature a match-up between Montepaschi and Regal FC Barcelona, which features Ricky Rubio (2009 Timberwolves draft pick), Juan Carlos Navarro (former Memphis Grizzly) and Fran Vazquez (2005 Magic draft pick).

NBA TV PROGRAMMING SCHEDULE:

NOVEMBER 27– NOVEMBER 29

FRIDAY, NOV. 27
7 p.m.- 2 a.m.

NBA GameTime Friday Presented by the United States Marine Corps

Steve Smith, Dennis Scott

SATURDAY, NOV. 28
12:30-1 p.m.

FIBA World Basketball Studio Show

1-3 p.m.

Euroleague Game of the Week: Montepaschi vs. Regal FC Barcelona

6:30-7 p.m.

AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow
7-9:30 p.m.

NBA Regular Season: Charlotte Bobcats @ Washington Wizards

Local Announcers
9:30p.m.-2 a.m.

NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai

Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow
SUNDAY, NOV. 29
5:30-6 p.m.

AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Marc Fein, Steve Smith
6-8:30 p.m.

NBA Regular Season: Boston Celtics @ Miami Heat

Local Announcers
8:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai

Marc Fein, Steve Smith

NOVEMBER 30 – DECEMBER 6

NBA TV  SCHEDULE (all times ET): NOV. 30- DEC. 6
MONDAY, NOV. 30

12-1 p.m.

NBA.COM FANTASY INSIDER

Rick Kamla, Dennis Scott

8-10 p.m.

NBA GameTime

Andre Aldridge, Steve Smith
10-10:30 p.m.

AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Andre Aldridge, Steve Smith
10:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

NBA Regular Season: Indiana Pacers @ Golden State Warriors

Local Announcers
1-2 a.m.

NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai

Andre Aldridge, Steve Smith
TUESDAY, DEC. 1: FAN NIGHT
1 p.m. (NBA.com)

The Jump on NBA.com

Kyle Montgomery, Dennis Scott, Brent Barry
6-6:30 p.m.

THE BEAT

Marc Fein, David Aldridge

8-10 p.m.

NBA GameTime

Rick Kamla, Eric Snow
10- 10:30 p.m.

AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Ernie Johnson, Kevin McHale, Chris Webber
10:30p.m.- 1a.m.

NBA Regular Season: New Orleans Hornets @ Los Angeles Lakers

Ernie Johnson, Kevin McHale, Chris Webber
1-2 a.m.

NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai

Ernie Johnson, Kevin McHale, Chris Webber
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 2
6-6:30 p.m.

NBA ACTION

6:30-7 p.m.

All-Access with Ahmad

Ahmad Rashad
7- 7:30 p.m.

NBA SPECIAL- NBA Fit: Denver Nuggets

7:30-8 p.m.

AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

8-10:30 p.m.

NBA Regular Season: Philadelphia 76ers @ Oklahoma City Thunder

Andre Aldridge, Kenny Smith, Eric Snow
10:30p.m.- 1 a.m.

NBA Regular Season: Houston Rockets @ Los Angeles Clippers

1- 2 a.m.

NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai

Andre Aldridge, Eric Snow
THURSDAY, DEC. 3
7p.m.- 1a.m.

BEST OF THE 2000′s : NBAE Presents 2002
FRIDAY, DEC. 4
7 p.m.- 2 a.m.

NBA GameTime Friday Presented by the United States Marine Corps

Rick Kamla, Cheryl Miller, Steve Smith
SATURDAY, DEC. 5
12:30-1 p.m.

FIBA World Basketball Studio Show

1-3 p.m.

Euroleague Game of the Week: Olympiakos vs. Entente Orleanaise

7:30-8 p.m.

NBA GameTime
8-8:30 p.m.

AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Rick Kamla, Cheryl Miller, Eric Snow
8:30-11 p.m.

NBA Regular Season: Denver Nuggets @ San Antonio Spurs

Local Announcers
11 p.m.-2 a.m.

NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai

Rick Kamla, Cheryl Miller, Eric Snow
SUNDAY, DEC. 6
5:30-6 p.m.

AutoTrader.com Pregame Show

Marc Fein, Steve Smith
6-8:30 p.m.

NBA Regular Season: Washington Wizards @ Detroit Pistons

Local Announcers
8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

NBA GameTime Presented by Hyundai

Marc Fein, Steve Smith

NBA Digital is the NBA’s extensive cross-platform portfolio of digital assets jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports. This robust offering includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA LEAGUE PASS, NBA LEAGUE PASS Broadband, NBA Mobile, NBADLEAGUE.com and WNBA.com.

Turner Sports, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., presents some of the best and most popular sporting events worldwide and is a leader in televised and online sports programming.  With events airing on TBS and TNT, Turner Sports’ line-up includes NASCAR and NASCAR.COM, the NBA, Major League Baseball, professional golf, PGATOUR.COM and PGA.com.  Turner Sports and the NBA also jointly manage NBA Digital, which includes NBA TV, NBA.com, NBA League Pass, NBADLeague.com and WNBA.com

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Filed Under: NBA, NBA TV

Collinsworth: “The AFC North will probably be decided by how Pittsburgh does against Baltimore.”

November 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

DEFENDING CHAMPION PITTSBURGH STEELERS INVADE BALTIMORE TO CHALLENGE DIVISION FOE RAVENS ON “SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL”

“The AFC North will probably be decided by how Pittsburgh does against Baltimore.” – Collinsworth

NEW YORK – Nov. 25, 2009 – The defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) travel to Baltimore to face their AFC North division rival, the Baltimore Ravens (5-5), on “NBC Sunday Night Football” in a game with significant playoff implications for both teams.

Coverage begins with “Football Night in America,” Sunday at 7 p.m. ET with Bob Costas hosting live from inside the stadium. Al Michaels (play-by-play), Cris Collinsworth (analyst) and Andrea Kremer (sideline reporter) call the action from M&T Bank Stadium.

Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann will co-host “Football Night” from NBC’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza studios joined by Super Bowl-winning coach Tony Dungy, two-time Super Bowl winner Rodney Harrison and Sports Illustrated’s Peter King.

COLLINSWORTH: “The most intense rivalry in the NFL. You have to wear pads just to watch…The AFC North will probably be decided by how Pittsburgh does against Baltimore. It’s really wonderful football regardless of the records but now the records are very significant because of the Cincinnati loss (last week).”

STEELERS VS. RAVENS: The Steelers lead the all-time series, 18-10, including two post-season meetings. The Steelers had lost five straight at Baltimore since 2004 before a 13-9 victory at M&T Bank Stadium last season. The Steelers defeated the Ravens three times in 2008, including a 23-14 victory in the AFC Championship game.

Both Pittsburgh and Baltimore lost in Week 11. Pittsburgh fell, 27-24, in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs. Baltimore lost to the Indianapolis Colts, 17-15. Both teams are in pursuit of the division leading Cincinnati Bengals (7-3).

STEELERS-RAVENS IN PRIMETIME: Since NBC acquired the NFL’s premiere primetime package in 2006, the Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-2 and the Baltimore Ravens are 1-1 on “Sunday Night Football.” This is the second SNF appearance for the Steelers this season. They defeated the San Diego Chargers, 38-28, at home in Week 4. Pittsburgh also defeated the Tennessee Titans, 13-10, in the NFL’s inaugural Thursday night game on NBC in Week 1. This is the first appearance for the Ravens on SNF since 2008 when they defeated the Washington Redskins, 24-10, at home in Week 14.

“SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL” DOMINATES SUNDAY NIGHT: “Sunday Night Football” has won nine of 10 Sunday nights so far this season. In 2006, SNF’s inaugural season, it won the night nine of 16 times. In 2007, that figure increased to 11 and increased again in 2008 to 13. Sunday Night had a bye in Week 8 due to game four of the World Series.

“Sunday Night Football” is also experiencing its best start since NBC acquired the NFL’s premier primetime package in 2006 (SNF, 2006-Present, MNF, 1970-2005). Below is SNF viewership through 11 weeks compared to last season:

2009:   19.4 million
2008:   16.7 million, up 16%

SNF FLEXES: The NFL announced a flex change in the “Sunday Night Football” schedule. On December 6, Brett Favre and the NFC Central-leading Minnesota Vikings (9-1) travel to Arizona to take on Kurt Warner and the NFC West-leading Cardinals (7-3).

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULING: The NFL will utilize flexible scheduling in Weeks 11-17. In those weeks, the schedule will list the games tentatively scheduled for Sunday night on NBC Sports. Only Sunday afternoon games are eligible to be moved to Sunday night, in which case the tentatively scheduled Sunday night game will be moved to an afternoon start time. Flexible scheduling will not be applied to games airing on Thursday, Saturday or Monday nights. A flexible scheduling move will be announced at least 12 days before the game. For Week 17, the move may be announced six days before the game. Flexible scheduling will ensure quality matchups on Sunday night in those weeks and give surprise teams a chance to play their way onto primetime.

ROTOWORLD.COM‘S WEEK 12 FANTASY SLEEPER PICKS: Rotoworld.com managing editor Gregg Rosenthal, who was named Fantasy Football Writer of the Year by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, picks his fantasy sleepers for Week 12.

1. Vince Young vs. Cardinals: Take a great offensive line, some rushing yards, sprinkle in a few big plays against a shaky secondary, and you have a sleeper. Voila!
2. Matt Cassel @ Chargers: The king of garbage time yards should have plenty of opportunities to throw after his defense gets destroyed by Philip Rivers.
3. Rock Cartwright @ Eagles: There is no Ladell Betts, Clinton Ports, or Rock Cartwright. There is just “Redskins running back that gets the ball 20 times for 85 yards.” Not bad.
4. Felix Jones vs. Raiders: Because Jerry Jones wants to show off his toys on Thanksgiving!  (And the Raiders are easier to attack on the ground.)
5. Malcom Floyd @ Chiefs: Kansas City just doesn’t have the size in their secondary to stay with Floyd on jump balls.

2009 “NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL” REMAINING SCHEDULE
Football Night in America begins every Sunday at 7 p.m. ET

Sun. Dec. 6      *Week 13    Minnesota Vikings at Arizona Cardinals (Flex game)
Sun. Dec. 13    *Week 14    Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Sun. Dec. 20    *Week 15    Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers
Sun. Dec. 27    *Week 16    Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins
Sun. Jan. 3       *Week 17   TBA
*Flex Week

NBC & THE NFL: NBC’s long history with the NFL dates back 70 years to 1939 when NBC became the first network to televise an NFL game – Philadelphia Eagles vs. Brooklyn Dodgers from Ebbets Field to the approximately 1,000 sets then in New York. NBC first broadcast the NFL Championship Game in 1955.  In 1964, NBC signed a five-year contract to televise the AFL.  NBC was awarded the AFC package in 1970, an association that would continue through the 1997-98 season. NBC televised the first Super Bowl in 1967, the historic New York Jets’ upset of the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III in 1969, and this past February broadcast Super Bowl XLIII, the most-watched program in television history.

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Filed Under: NBC, NFL

NHL Network U.S. Celebrates Dwayne Roloson’s 58 Saves And Other Goaltending Achievements With Special Programming On Saturday

November 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

NHL NETWORK U.S. CELEBRATES DWAYNE ROLOSON’S 58 SAVES AND OTHER GOALTENDING
ACHIEVEMENTS WITH SPECIAL PROGRAMMING ON SATURDAY, NOV. 28

NEW YORK (November 25, 2009) – NHL Network™ U.S. celebrates spectacular goaltending achievements on Saturday, Nov. 28, with a special programming block dedicated to netminders.

On Monday, New York Islanders goalie Dwayne Roloson made 58 saves leading his team to a 4-3 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs.  It was the most saves in an NHL game since Ron Tugnutt made 70 saves for the Quebec Nordiques on March 21, 1991.  Beginning at Noon ET on Saturday, NHL Network is treating viewers to full re-airing of both games where these goalies stood on their heads.

Rounding out the programming at 4 p.m. ET, NHL Network will present a re-airing of the NHL Network original program, 50 Years Behind The Mask. The program celebrates the golden anniversary of one of the seminal events in the League’s history – the moment when legendary Montreal Canadiens goaltender Jacques Plante revolutionized his position – and the sport – by donning a face mask in a League game.  The program draws upon archival footage and interviews with Plante’s contemporaries to tell the story of that transformational night of Nov. 1, 1959.  A visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame and Interviews with current NHL goaltenders – including Cam Ward, Tim Thomas, Steve Mason, Chris Mason, Craig Anderson and others – advance the story to the present day.

The Islanders-Maple Leafs game and 50 Years Behind The Mask will be presented in high definition.


NHL Network U.S. Programming Sat., Nov. 28


Noon ET:        Ron Tugnutt Stops 70 — Nordiques-Bruins, March 21, 1991

2 p.m. ET:         Roloson Stops 58 — Islanders-Maple Leafs, November 23, 2009 (HD)

4 p.m. ET:           50 Years Behind The Mask (HD)


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Filed Under: NHL, NHL Network

“Denver right now is dictating all the terms on both sides of the ball.” — BOB PAPA — Quotes from Giants-Broncos ‘Thursday Night Football’ Matchup

November 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Thursday Night Football Telecast Notes
Play-by-Play: Bob Papa            Analyst: Matt Millen

Quotes from New York Giants vs. Denver Broncos

Nov. 26, 2009 (Thanksgiving) on NFL Network

FIRST HALF:

“This is where the New York Giants have to assert themselves. They have a pass rush and it has to show up now.”

– Matt Millen on the Giants defense in 3rd and 9 situation

“This guy has the skills and abilities to be a special back in this league.”

– Matt Millen on Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno

“Josh McDaniels went for it on 4th down, so what is that saying? That’s telling you that right now, he feels that his defense is whipping the Giants offense and that he has supreme confidence in this offensive line.”

– Matt Millen on Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels’ decision to go for it on 4th down

“[The Giants] have been getting their rear ends kicked on both sides of the ball and to be perfectly frank with you, I’m shocked. This is not a big defense, the Broncos, but they are playing like Giants.”

– Matt Millen

“This is what Georgia fans watched for the last four years and he’s bringing his A-game tonight.”

– Matt Millen on Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno

“That’s as beautiful of a catch that you’re going to see.”

– Matt Millen on Broncos WR Brandon Marshall’s one-handed 28-yard catch

“For all of fans out there who want to go to the Combine, [NFL Network] is your ticket in. I know a few GMs and a couple owners that don’t go anymore because they watch [NFL Network] because they think they get better coverage watching than going.”

– Matt Millen on NFL Network’s exclusive coverage of the NFL Scouting Combine February 24-March 2, 2010

“Denver right now is dictating all the terms on both sides of the ball.”

– Bob Papa on the Broncos performance

“At some point, you have to have less flapping of the gums and more flapping with your arms and legs coming off the edge. Get a pass rush and that will speak for itself.”

– Matt Millen on Giants DE Osi Umenyiora talking to Broncos TE Daniel Graham

“He plays with great leverage, bent knees and is as quick as a cat.”

– Matt Millen on Broncos LB Elvis Dumervil

QUOTES FROM THURSDAY NIGHT KICKOFF PRESENTED BY SEARS PREGAME SHOW

Host: Rich Eisen          Analysts: Steve Mariucci, Deion Sanders, Marshall Faulk

Play-by-play Announcer: Bob Papa      Game Analyst: Matt Millen

Reporters: Jason La Canfora, Scott Hanson

Quotes from Commissioner Goodell Roundtable Discussion with Joe Theismann, Rod Woodson and Michael Irvin:

“I talked to Hall of Famer Willie Lanier about this. He was a great tackler and after his first year in the league, he changed the way he tackled and he never had a concussion again…He’ll tell you he changed his technique and we need to work on that. That’s why our rule changes have been designed to remove certain techniques from the game.”

– Goodell on changing tackling techniques to reduce concussions

“Even though the equipment is improved, sometimes the players don’t take advantage of that. They want to wear the helmets that they feel more comfortable in. We need to get the players to use the best equipment. The second issue is [players] have to make sure medical personnel know when they have an injury.  The players have to raise their hand and say, ‘You know what?  I got hit and I don’t feel 100 percent.’”

– Goodell on player safety

**Catch Commissioner Goodell’s entire discussion with Theismann, Woodson and Irvin on NFL GameDay Morning Sunday at 9:00 AM ET**

Quick Quotes:

“This is the best group of receivers that I can remember the New York Giants ever having. This is a talented group and their just on the front end. They’re going to get better.”

– Matt Millen on the Giants receiving corps

“They can fight their way right back in, win 10 games and be a wild card team.”

– Steve Mariucci on the Broncos

“I don’t disagree with Bill Belichick very often, but this 2-8 [Faulk] can do it all.”

– Steve Mariucci on Bill Belichick comparing Reggie Bush to Marshall Faulk

***Michael Lombardi’s 1-on-1 interview with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick will air Sunday at 9 a.m. ET on NFL Network’s NFL GameDay Morning. To watch a clip of the interview, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d8147dd68/Belichick-exclusive-interview***

“Eli is on pace to have his best year statistically…he’s really coming into his own as the leader of that team.”

– Steve Mariucci on Giants QB Eli Manning

“He might be their most explosive player.”

– Marshall Faulk on Cowboys RB Felix Jones

“He should be in the running for defensive player of the year.”

– Deion Sanders on Packers CB Charles Woodson

“This game is of the utmost importance…somebody is going to be closer to being the leader of their division.”

– Marshall Faulk on Giants-Broncos

Jason La Canfora Pregame 1-on-1 with Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin:

“It’s was very important for us to do that. We’d been in many close games and been denied at the end, but we found a way to win and it boosts everything. Everything looks better after you win.”

– Coughlin on the Giants Week 11 win vs. Atlanta

“We need to improve while in the course of the ball game and challenge and contest the ball better while on defense.”

– Coughlin on the Giants defense

Jason La Canfora News Reports:

  • Mike Shanahan spent the better part of Tuesday meeting with Bills officials. After talking to people involved in the matter, I’m hearing things went well, however the reality is for Shanahan, there are a lot of potential suitors out there. He’s going to wait to make a decision until he sees what the entire coaching market is. Washington, Dallas, Chicago, Houston – those are teams that would interest him too if they opened up. A lot has to play out before we see where these dominos start falling. Regarding options for the Bills, they reached out to Bill Cowher, wanting to interview him just as much as they did Shanahan. However Cowher said at this time, out of respect for his employer and other guys still coaching in the league, including Perry Fewell, he’s not going to talk to anyone now. But I continue to hear the coaching bug is nibbling at him and certain situations, maybe Carolina, Houston or Chicago, if things opened up there, he could wade back in.
  • Regarding Jon Gruden and his name being rumored to replace Charlie Weis at Notre Dame, that move is unlikely. While he has ties to the program through his father and it’s somewhat of a dream job for him, talking to people close to Gruden, they say his broadcasting contract taking him through 2010 is iron-clad and there’s zero percent chance of him getting out of it.

**Additional videos from NFL Network’s Thursday Night Football coverage of Giants vs. Broncos can be viewed on NFL.com**

  • Ocho calls in: Bengals WR Chad Ochocinco calls in to wish the pregame team a Happy Thanksgiving.

www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-thanksgiving/09000d5d8148374f/Ocho-calls-in

  • Broncos talk Thanksgiving: Tony Scheffler and Elvis Dumervil talk about Thanksgiving and which Bronco player would eat the most.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/denver-broncos/09000d5d81481f99/Broncos-on-Thanksgiving

  • Around the League: Jason La Canfora has the latest on the Bills and around news around the NFL.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/09000d5d814835ec/Around-the-league

NEXT WEEK ON NFL NETWORK’S THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:

NEW YORK JETS VS. BUFFALO BILLS

FROM TORONTO at 8:00 PM ET

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Filed Under: NFL, NFLN
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